Mint plants start with a significant growth advantage when they are grown on the windowsill. Find out here about the individual steps from tiny seeds to vital young plants for beds and balconies.

Selection of seeds and preparatory work

Pure mint species are significantly more germinable than hybrids. The more different species and varieties contribute to a new breed, the more the germination rate of seeds tends towards zero. The following species, on the other hand, have not let their spirits spoil so far:

  • Spearmint (Mentha viridis) - also known as spearmint
  • Horsemint (Mentha rotundifolia) - not to be confused with horsemint (Monarda punctata)
  • Field mint (Mentha arvensis) - also known as grain mint
  • Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) - also known as Brook Mint

In order to sow mint successfully, the use of multi-pot plates or seed trays is a good idea. A lean peat-sand mixture can be used as a substrate, or standard soil with the addition of sand. Place the seed soil in an ovenproof pot at 150 degrees for 30 minutes to sterilize it. It's faster in the microwave within 10 minutes at 800 watts.

Step-by-step instructions

The best time for cultivation behind glass begins in March. Here's how to do it:

  • mix the very fine seeds with a little bird sand
  • fill the seed pot with the sterilized substrate and moisten
  • Scatter seeds and press lightly without covering them
  • put a plastic bag over it or put it in the indoor greenhouse

Germination begins within 14 days at a constant temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in a partially shaded window seat. During this time, the seed soil must not dry out. Daily airing of the cover or the mini greenhouse prevents mold from forming.

How to prick mint seedlings correctly

If the cotyledons break their way out of the seeds, growth progresses rapidly. The cover has now done its job. As soon as your youngsters exceed a growth height of 5 centimetres, they are transplanted into individual pots. How to do it right:

  • Fill pots halfway up with herb soil
  • make a well in it with the pricking stick
  • lift a seedling out of the seed jar with a spoon
  • Insert in the middle and plant to just below the cotyledons

Then keep the substrate slightly moist until the young plants are planted in the bed in mid-May.

tips and tricks

The bushy growth of young mint plants is encouraged by regularly pruning young plants. To do this, simply snap off the shoot tips with your fingers just above a leaf knot.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden